By 
FUFA Disciplinary Panel (FDP) has handed suspended penalties to both Onduparaka FC and Soroti Thunders FC after they failed to honour their respective fixtures in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The decision stems from a breach of Article 15 (37) of the FUFA Competitions Rules and Regulations.
The panel has imposed a suspended deduction of three points and three goals on each of the two teams, a penalty that will come into effect if either club misses another Uganda Cup match in the future.
On January 16, 2025, both clubs faced the consequences of their actions during the Round of 64 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Onduparaka FC failed to show up for their match against Bushenyi Veterans FC, while Soroti Thunders FC similarly neglected to attend their game against Black Power FC.
Soroti Thunders team at Kidetok Primary School Playgrounds, Serere
These no-shows led to the intervention of the FUFA Disciplinary Panel, which deemed the behavior to be a violation of the regulations set forth in the FUFA Competitions Rules.
In light of these infractions, the FDP decided to impose a suspended penalty on both clubs.
The suspension includes a deduction of three points and three goals, which will only be activated if either team fails to fulfil another Uganda Cup fixture in the future.
This measure is intended to send a strong message about the importance of adhering to the competition’s rules and regulations, ensuring that all teams maintain a commitment to their scheduled matches.
In addition to the suspended penalty, both Onduparaka FC and Soroti Thunders FC have been issued a formal caution. The clubs have been warned that any future contravention of FUFA Competitions Rules may lead to even more severe sanctions.
The FDP has made it clear that failure to comply with the regulations could force them to take more stringent measures in the future, emphasizing the need for clubs to fulfill their responsibilities to avoid further penalties.
While the suspension may not have an immediate effect on the standings or goal difference, the potential for future penalties is a significant concern for both clubs.
If either team again fails to honor their Uganda Cup fixture, the automatic point and goal deductions could severely impact their league campaigns and any aspirations for future competitions.
Both clubs now face a critical period in which they must demonstrate compliance with FUFA’s rules to avoid triggering the penalties.
They will undoubtedly need to ensure that they meet their future fixture obligations to maintain their standing in the competition and avoid further scrutiny from the governing body.
The suspension handed to Onduparaka FC and Soroti Thunders FC serves as a cautionary tale for all teams participating in the Uganda Cup.
FUFA’s decision to impose a suspended penalty underscores the importance of commitment to scheduled fixtures, as well as the necessity of upholding the integrity of the competition.
